By Sunny
Following the commencement of the athletics event yesterday, also known as 'Track and Field', host team Delta began with impressive performance and enviable stride at the 9th edition of the National Youth Games ongoing in Asaba, Delta State; Nigeria.
However, the journey just began for one to jump into conclusion; despite the slow start in the medal table log, the host team and her contingents are doing everything possible to catch-up with Lagos and Edo.
Amazingly, athletes like Onoriode Peter are gearing up for the 100m (Male) final as Bernice Onoiode is fully in shape to dominate in the (Female) category at the semifinals. Besides, Faith Chukwuma, Uririoghene Atori, Ufuoma Merit have given a good account of themselves during the Day One schedules; hopefully there will be more success records later.
Meanwhile, team Lagos have increase their medal haul to 30 gold, 13 silver, 11 bronze; while Edo are second position with 23 gold, 8 silver, 14 bronze; ofcourse host team Delta are not left out as they're occupping third position with 12 gold, 17 silver, 3 bronze; Abia are currently sitting fourth with 8 gold, 5 silver, 3 bronze; Akwa Ibom are placed fifth with 6 gold, 4 silver and 4 bronze but some State are yet to win a medal as we have Four more days to round-up the National Youth Games.
Expectedly, the home team, who has a massive spectators, also qualified in the female semi-finals Football match at St. Patrick earlier today as they defeated Edo 2-1 in a keenly contested encounter.
Incredible performance from team quartet of: Ufuoma Merit, Faith Chukwuma, Uririoghene Atori and Onoriode Peter as they combine force to win Gold in the Mixed 4 by 100m relay event with a stunning record of 43.77 seconds as Bayelsa and Edo clinched 2nd and 3rd respectively.
Interestingly, the current Delta State Athletics Charman; Chief Itiako Ikpokpo Malik; Evangelist Solomon Ogba, a renown Sport Administrator; Sam Isoje who is the assistant to Delta State Sport Commission Chairman amongst other VIPs, regularly visit all the venues in order to motivate and boost their athletes morale to a podium finish.
